Test Drive: 2018 Toyota Prius

Monday

Dec 18, 2017 at 10:39 AMDec 18, 2017 at 10:39 AM

Greg Zyla More Content Now

Entry Price: $23,475Price as tested: $33,127

This week, we’re driving the 2018 Toyota Prius, the midsize hatchback sedan available in Two, Three and Four nomenclature models and seven trims, ala Two, Two Eco, Three, Three Touring, Four and Four Touring. There is also a smaller Prius to choose from called the Prius c, which rides on a 100.4-inch wheelbase, uses a smaller 1.5 liter four cylinder and delivers 54 city and 46 highway. The “c” starts at just $19,560 and is classified as a compact.

The largest Prius is a Prius V station wagon, where right now the 2017 model is selling at attractive dealer incentives. Although dropped from the 2018 lineup, the Prius V wagon rides on a 109.4-inch wheelbase and has room for five and lots of cargo space. It utilizes the same powertrain that motivates our mid-size tester and is still available in the U.S. for those looking for a leftover. The reason for dropping the Prius V for 2018 is no doubt a result of the popularity of the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid.

Regardless of a leftover 2017 or a brand new 2018, when you add all these models together, today’s Toyota Prius comes in 16 different flavors from the entry $19,560 Prius c to top line Prius Four Touring, which starts at $30,565. As for EPA expectations, the midsize Prius models from One to Four all deliver 54 city and 50 highway MPG ratings.

Now, a little Prius history.

Introduced in 2000, Prius had to battle the already released Honda Insight Hybrid for consumer interest. In looking back at this initial hybrid war, it was December 1999 when Honda became the first hybrid to hit the market in the U.S. Although Honda won the “first to market” war, when it came to passenger and cargo room, Insight’s two-door sub compact didn’t offer much. It was tiny, offered little or no cargo space and came only as a two-seater until 2009.

Toyota, meanwhile, hit the shores of America seven months after Insight, but in a four-door sedan motif with room for four to five passengers and more than enough cargo room to haul the weekly groceries. To this day, Prius is the king of the hybrids, regardless of other manufacturer efforts that deserve much praise as we speed closer to the year 2020.

Our 2018 midsize Prius came in top flight Four Touring trim, which means it’s pretty much fully loaded. Under the hood, the aforementioned 1.8-liter four-cylinder develops a net 134 horsepower, arrived at by combining the electric power output with the horsepower from the engine’s 13-1 compression ratio engine. The transmission is Toyota’s electronically controlled Synergy Drive automatic (CVT), which is also standard in all models and offers two modes, an EV and Eco selection. The EV operates in fully electric mode when the batteries are fully charged while Eco is economy mode utilizing internal combustion and electric in unison. Because the Prius models were not built for acceleration, don’t expect any impressive quarter-mile elapsed times.

However, I think you’ll be pleased how peppy the Prius actually is, especially from a standing start. Still, it’s the Prius trademark’s ability to generate outstanding fuel mileage, comfortable surroundings and then throw into the mix the ability to drive up to 25 miles on EV full electric power.

Inside, driver and passengers will be pleased at the roominess and amenities like Smart Flow climate control, 7-inch hi-res Navigation screen with Entune Stereo Sirius/XM, all the powers, keyless start, a special 4.2-inch color hybrid system indicator, four wheel anti-lock disc brakes, heated front seats, 17-inch Yokohama tires on alloy wheels, and much more. The exterior deserves special note as all Prius models were re-styled in 2016 and feature a more aerodynamic design.

As for safety, the 2018 Prius ups the ante quite a bit, especially when comparing other hybrids. Every Prius now comes standard with not only its noted Star Safety System, known for traction and stability controls and all the airbags working in tandem, but added into the quotient for 2018 is the addition of the Toyota Safety Sense package as standard fare. Previously an option on the Prius One and Prius Two models, we applaud Toyota for this move as every new Prius now comes delivered with pre-collision braking system, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, steering assist when a driver goes out of his/her lane and automatic high beams. Of all the features the 2018 Prius offers, this new standard safety package is tops.

Options on our tester include a $1,705 Premium Convenience Package that features a super high tech stereo system with 10 JBL speakers in six locations, numerous APPs, park assist, plus extra high tech and voice actuated accompaniments. If you are into music and high-tech gadgetry, this option is for you. Other options include a Preferred Accessory Package with special carpet and floor mats, rear bumper upgrade and cargo mats for $343 and finally a $199 interior console, which adds some extra room for keys, phones, drinks, etc. The final price with $865 destination came to $33,127 retail.

On the highway, Prius Four Touring drives and handles fine, although some road noise is there until you get those JBL stereo speakers talking. Noteworthy are top notch owner satisfaction records, 5-Star government crash safety ratings and consumer reliability records that are the envy of other manufacturers.

Be it small, medium or large, the front-drive Prius has a winner waiting for you at your area dealer. This holiday season just might be the best time to reign in a leftover or grab a new 2018 Prius at an outstanding price.